Published April 30, 2019 09:00
Discover Hidden Gems in your community.
Looking for somewhere fresh to ride? We are excited to launch a brand new Hidden Gems series as part of Bike Month across the GTHA and Guelph. These weekly features will give you insider tips on some of the best trails, paths, and on-street bike facilities. Whether you cycle to work, ride the trails on the weekend, or bike to get around town, we hope you’ll find a hidden gem. Then, share it with a friend, colleague, or family member who wants to give biking a try this spring.
First up: just a few years ago, Guelph's Stevenson St. N. had zero infrastructure for people riding. Now, it's a community connector.
Stevenson Street North
Prior to 2014, Stevenson St. N. was a four lane road between Eramosa and Elizabeth.
This route was identified as an excellent candidate for cycling infrastructure as it connects several schools, places of worship, and businesses to the dense residential neighbourhoods surrounding it.
It’s also a relatively flat alternative bypassing the Eramosa Road hill.
Following its redesign, Stevenson is now a great cycling route featuring wide on-street bike lanes, and only two lanes of vehicular traffic.
The community was very supportive of the new configuration, and Stevenson now represents a critical north-south connection across Guelph.
Get ready to ride
Bike to Work Day in Guelph is on Monday, May 27. Celebrate cycling with free coffee, snacks, and a chance to win prizes. Meet new friends who bike and learn how we’re building a Bicycle-Friendly Guelph!
Ride and win
Did you know you could win a prize just by riding your bike during Bike Month? Sign up for the contest and you'll be entered to win one of six $300 MEC gift cards.
There are three easy ways to enter:
- Ride your bike to school or work on Monday, May 27
- Participate in an official Bike to Work Day event
- Ride your bike during Bike Month (May 27-June 30)
Once you register, get bonus entries in two ways: download the Commute Tracker app or recruit a friend through email/social media using a unique link. The contest closes at 11:59PM on May 27, 2019.
Find out more
Check out the City of Guelph’s Cycling Facilities webpage for more information on the different types of infrastructure around town.
Where do you ride?
Let us know where you’re riding by tagging us on Twitter and Facebook or using #BikeMonthGTHA across social media platforms.
Photos by Nicholas Jones